Slimline series

VL100 & MasterLink

Operation Manual

Document: 101513-02

Contents

Toerringvej 7 Roedovre 2610 Denmark - Tel. +45 9244 8080 info@metricorr.com

1 Scope................................................................................................................ 4
2 VL100 & MasterLink Unit .................................................................................. 5
2.1 VL100 & MasterLink – with optional COM/Ethernet ............................................................ 5
2.2 VL100 & MasterLink – compact ............................................................................................ 6
2.3 VL100 & MasterLink w/lithium battery ................................................................................. 7
2.4 VL100 & MasterLink – Specifications & Accessories ............................................................. 8

3 Configuration ................................................................................................... 9
3.1 Switch on & Initial Communication ....................................................................................... 9
3.2 WebService - general .......................................................................................................... 10
3.2.1 Setup of VL100 & MasterLink in Webservice .............................................................................. 12
3.2.2 Communication interval .............................................................................................................. 14
3.2.3 Sample interval & Start time ....................................................................................................... 15
3.2.4 Intensive measurements ............................................................................................................. 16
3.2.5 Assigning sensors/components to the VL100 ............................................................................. 17
3.2.6 Creating “POT sensors” ............................................................................................................... 17

4 Installation ..................................................................................................... 19
4.1 Solar Junction Box Installation ............................................................................................ 19
4.2 Big Fink Installation ............................................................................................................. 24
4.3 Big Fink Solar Solution ......................................................................................................... 29
4.4 Battery Hat Solution ............................................................................................................ 30

5 Your Data – Simple WEBservice Instructions................................................... 31

5.1 View & Download Logged Data ........................................................................................... 31
5.2 Unit Pipeline & Location Assignment .................................................................................. 32
5.3 Alerts ................................................................................................................................... 33
5.4 Reports ................................................................................................................................ 33

6 Satellite – communication .............................................................................. 35

6.1 Satellite modem & placement ............................................................................................ 36
6.2 Power & LED indicators ....................................................................................................... 36
6.3 Webservice Subscription ..................................................................................................... 37
6.4 Setup in Webservice ............................................................................................................ 38
6.4.1 Example: 25h interval measurement campaign .......................................................................... 39

MetriCorr VL100 & MasterLink Operation Manual 2 | 45

 6.4.2 Example: 24h interval measurement campaign .......................................................................... 40
6.5 App & Data for satellite connected MasterLinks ................................................................ 40

Appendix 1: Junction Box Mounting Guide........................................................... 41

Appendix 2: Solar Charger Instructions ................................................................ 42

Revision Date Comments Prepared Review Approval

Based on “102272-00 ICL-C operating Manual UK”.

LBT
201 2021-10-11 New VL100 elements added in section 1, 2 and 3. RCH LBT
FGA
Added section 6. Satellite - communication

101 2021-01-03 Major update, new pictures and Webservice updated LBT FGa CVA

Operation Guide ICL-C & MasterLink.

Already reviewed by LBT and FGa. LBT
Draft R001 2020-11-08 RCH
This version is based on the previous ICL & FGa
MasterLink operation guide by FrB, 2018-11-14.

MetriCorr VL100 & MasterLink Operation Manual 3 | 45

 1 Scope
This document is a guideline for setup and operation of the datalogger model ”VL100 & MasterLink” from
MetriCorr’s Slimline series of remote monitoring equipment. The VL100 datalogger has two terminals
“Pipe” and “Ref” for voltage measurements. Hereafter referred to as “unit”.

The VL100 datalogger can be ordered with several options:

1. COM port (required for satellite connection, see section 6.)
2. Ethernet port
3. Compact housing
4. Lithium battery

The MetriCorr remote monitoring system uses an online WebService, where all the data from site are
uploaded and stored. The unit consists of a MasterLink module and an ICL-C module, where both modules
are configured and controlled from WebService.

Before you start:

• If you want to link your new unit to an existing MetriCorr WebService account, please email
support@metricorr.com with the following information:
- Account Name (existing or new) you wish the unit(s) to be assigned to.
- User email address (for new users to log in to existing or new accounts)
- MasterLink Serial Number(s) you wish to link to the account

• If you are a new customer or setting up a NEW account, please also provide details of a Primary
contact person for data & administration communication with MetriCorr.
1. Name & title / position
2. Email address
3. Telephone number

Once you have confirmation that the units have been assigned to the account as requested (together with
login details if you have requested a new account or user), you are ready to start.

IMPORTANT: Do not disassemble the unit. If the unit is malfunctioning, please contact MetriCorr.

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 2 VL100 & MasterLink Unit
2.1 VL100 & MasterLink – with optional COM/Ethernet
The Slimline VL100 measurement module is fitted into a standard slimline housing, which allows for an
optional COM or Ethernet board in the MasterLink module.

Figure 1. VL100 & MasterLink without battery, as shipped

F (optional): Ethernet
connection (only blinded
hole shown) D: Pipe/structure
connection
A: Antenna
connection

B: Status/control
button & LED
indicator

C: Power supply connector

E: Reference
(with protective cap)
electrode
connection
G (optional): COM
port (ODU connector
Figure 2. VL100 & MasterLink module connectors & control
with protective cap)

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2.2 VL100 & MasterLink – compact
The Slimline VL100 measurement module is included in the same housing as the MasterLink. All connectors
are placed on the top of the module. (No connectors or buttons on the bottom)

Figure 3. VL100 & MasterLink, compact version without battery, as shipped

D: Pipe/structure A: Antenna connection

connection

B: Status/control
button & LED indicator
E: Reference
electrode
connection
C: Power supply connector
(with protective cap)

Figure 4. VL100 & MasterLink, compact version without battery, connectors & control

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2.3 VL100 & MasterLink w/lithium battery
The Slimline VL100 measurement module is included in the same housing as the MasterLink. A lithium
battery is placed in the bottom half of the enclosure. All connectors are placed on the top of the module.
(No connectors or buttons on the bottom)

Figure 5. VL100 & MasterLink without battery, as shipped

A: Antenna connection
D: Pipe/structure
connection
B: Status/control
button & LED indicator

E: Reference
electrode C: Power supply connector
connection (with protective cap)

Figure 6. VL100 & MasterLink,

compact version without
battery, connectors & control

The battery lifetime greatly depends on the VL100 – Battery specifications

measurement campaign indicated in the battery
specifications. Battery type Lithium Thionyl
Capacity 26Ah @ 3.6V, 92Wh
Lifetime +2 years @ 6 logs/hour, daily transmission
Please contact MetriCorr if the Lithium battery +3 years @ 1 log/hour, daily transmission
+3 years @ 6 logs/hour, weekly transmission
has to be replaced. +10 years @ 1 log/hour, weekly transmission

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2.4 VL100 & MasterLink – Specifications & Accessories

MasterLink – Specifications VL100 – Specifications

Battery Lifetime +3 years @ 1h logging intervals Input Resistance +10 MΩ

and weekly transmissions Input range (voltage) ± 100 V
Casing IP65 Resolution (voltage) 1 mV
Humidity 0-100% RH condensing DC accuracy (voltage) ± 1 mV ± 0.3% reading
conditions AC accuracy (voltage) ± 1 mV ± 1% reading
Operating conditions -40 °C to +85 °C AC Resolution (voltage) 1 mV
Storage capacity +200 000 readings AC accuracy (current) ± 1 mV ± 1% reading
Logging intervals 10 min → ∞, recommended 1
(Normal mode) hour
Table 1. VL100 - Specifications
Logging interval 1 sec in pre-defined time
(Campaign mode) intervals

Table 1. MasterLink - Specifications

Standard accessories:
- Antenna LTE with 1m wire and adhesive pad

- Protective caps for connectors

- Power cable with DC connector

- Yellow wire 1m, 4mm banana connectors

- Black wire 1m, 4mm banana connectors

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 3 Configuration
3.1 Switch on & Initial Communication
Once connected to the antenna and battery, push the 'Status/Control' button ('E' in Figure 3) and release
(<0.5s). This will indicate the unit's current status/mode with a series of flashes on the LED built into the
button. Please refer to the LED flash patterns below.

*The device is Off. 5 short (0.5 milliseconds) flashes per second for 5 Figure 7. LED flash indication
seconds. This signal is triggered by a short (<0.5s) push on the push-
button.

Mode / status Description

The device is active and waiting for the next measurement to be performed.
Waiting
Short (50 milliseconds) flash every 8 seconds
The device is performing a measurement.
Measuring
Longer flash (0.5 seconds) repeated every second.
The device is searching for a network.
Searching
1 short (0.5 milliseconds) flash repeated every second.
The device is transmitting data to the WebService.
Transmitting
3 short (0.5 milliseconds) consecutive flashes repeated every second.
The device is Off.
Off
5 short (0.5 milliseconds) flashes per second for 5 seconds.

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3.2 WebService - general
Log on to https://data-metricorr.com using the username and password sent to you as per Section 1. For
data safety, it is recommended that your assigned password should be changed on your first login. This can
be done in the 'Profile' menu. You should also 'Logout' when you have completed your session.

Click on “DATA” in the top menu and press on “POT – Potential”. The landing page is shown below:

In webservice, the VL100 module needs a “Sensor” to store the measured data.
By default, webservice creates a sensor with the title “P-“ followed by the same serial number as for the
VL100 module. I.e. “P-AN02792688”.

It is possible to create more sensors in webservice, where each of them holds data. I.e. this is useful, if you
have installed several physical sensors (voltage measurement points) down a pipeline and you want to
collect data manually using a VL100 as a handheld instrument and MetriCorr’s “Logger app”.

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In the top menu, click "RMU" -> "MASTERLINKS" to show the page "Your defined MasterLinks":

VL100 serial number Setup link

POT sensor serial number

"Your Defined MasterLinks" can be any of the following types: ICL, VL100 or ICL_C
An overview of the columns in the" Your defined Masterlink" table above is described in Error! Reference s
ource not found. below:

Parameter Data (example) Comment

MobileID AL02840255 MasterLink Serial number
SW version 1.3.267,1.3.267,1.3.267 Software version (MasterLink, Bluetooth, ICL-C module)

Battery / Not fitted with battery

Net info 3G/Poor/-101dBm/TDC Network connection/signal strength/host or “Via satellite”

Received Time (UTC) 25-Aug-2021 5:33:55 UTC time stamp of LAST communication/data transfer
Next wakeup (UTC) 25-Aug-2021 6:33:19 UTC time stamp of NEXT communication attempt

Status OK, 1 logger lines received " OK" indicates that communication went well.
" 1 logger lines received" inform amount of data received
since last communication session.

Lattitude 55.695061 Geographic coordinate [degrees]

Longitude 12.431020 Geographic coordinate [degrees]
Time 13:38:55 UTC time stamp for geographic coordinate

Connected Device VL100 Indicate type of logger, in example: ICL, VL-100 or ICL-C
Serial number AN02792653 Serial number of VL100e
Channel 1 SN LBT-POT1 Serial number of POT-sensor (Component)

Options Setup Link to the Setup page

History Link to the History page

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 Table 2. Your defined MasterLinks – parameter description

The 'Received Time' should be approximately that of when the unit was powered up. Status should be 'OK.'
After the unit has started communication (refer to" Figure 7. LED flash indication" flash pattern, 3rd row), it
could take a few moments for the WebService to update. Refresh your browser page if it does not appear
within 1 minute.
Should the unit not display on the MasterLink page, restart the unit to force new communication.

3.2.1 Setup of VL100 & MasterLink in Webservice

There’s basically three ways for a MasterLink to communicate/transfer data to webservice:
1. GSM/LTE Described in this section
2. Satellite See section 6.4
3. RMU App See “App Operation Manual”

On the setup page in WEBService, the user shall specify the interval between measurements. Optionally,
the VL100-MasterLink can be setup for a weekly "Intensive mode" campaign.

On the" Your defined Masterlink" page, click on the “Setup” link. (See the previous page).

Now the Setup page is shown on the next page.

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In the following sections, the setup page will be described in detail.

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3.2.2 Communication interval
Two parameters set the interval between MasterLink communication (wake up) with WebService:
1. Sleep(OK) hours. As long as communication is successful, the MasterLink goes to sleep for example,
168 hours before the next wake-up, where communication and data transfer are established again.

2. Sleep(Fail) hours. If communication fails, the MasterLink try to establish communication with a
different interval. (I.e. 4 hours)

For battery operation, it is recommended to set the unit for a 4h sleep interval in case of a communication
error (Sleep (FAIL) hours), and a 24h (once daily) for normal operation (Sleep (OK) hours) in order to
preserve battery life.
The existing settings are shown under 'Latest Registration'. For a new unit this will be blank.

Installation mode.
After the initial power-up, 'Installation mode' will be activated. Communication frequency will be forced
automatic to 1h. This stated will automatically be disabled after three days and returned to recommended
normal operation.
Communication frequency can be configurated as desired. It is recommended to specify a 4h sleep time, in
case of a communication error (Sleep (FAIL)) and a 24h (once daily) for normal operation (Sleep (OK)) to
preserve battery life.

Latitude & Longitude coordinates.

You can also request the unit's position (estimated latitude, longitude by GNSS) by checking the 'Get
Position' box. The retrieved data will be displayed in the 'MasterLink' table on next scheduled 'wake up'.

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3.2.3 Sample interval & Start time
The time between each measurement of ER probe, Line Current Sensor and Pipe-Ref voltage are specified
as Sample interval, which can be set by the user according to the part of the Setup page shown below:

Start time, HH:MM (UTC) sets the time of the first sample to be measured.
Sample interval (min) sets the interval for the next sample to be measured. The unit will continue to
perform measurements with this interval until the user stops it.

The 'Latest Registration' text shows when the next measurement is currently due to occur. All
updates will be performed at this time. This can be 'forced' by physically restarting the MasterLink.
Remember to 'Save request' beforehand.

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3.2.4 Intensive measurements
Intensive measurements can be enabled by marking any of the seven “Enable boxes” shown in the
screenshot below:

Intensive measurement frequency (Seconds)

Type in the interval between each measurement into this field.

Period Intensive measurements (UTC Time)

There are seven individual periods available. Each of the periods specifies a measurement to be repeated
on weekly basics; all setup is in UTC Time.
For example, three periods are enabled in the weekly schedule.
1. Every Monday, starting at 10:15 AM, for a period of 2 hours
2. Every Wednesday, starting 8:45 PM, for a period of 4 hours
3. Every Thursday, starting 3:00 AM, for a period of 30 min

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3.2.5 Assigning sensors/components to the VL100
The VL100 has one channel (Channel 1) that can measure a “POT sensor”, also referred to as “Component”.
A “POT sensor” is basically a voltage measurement point, which can be permanently connected to a VL100
or connected to a VL100, ICL or ICL-C for occasional measurements.

At the bottom of the setup page, you can assign a POT sensor from the drop-down menu.

3.2.6 Creating “POT sensors”

When you establish a connection from your VL100 & Masterlink to webservice, a POT sensor (component)
will automatically be created with the serial number “P-ANXXXXXXXX”. It is possible to change the name
(S/N) of any “POT sensor” by pressing “Edit”. You can also create a new “POT sensor” manually by click
“Component” -> “POT sensor”:

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The landing page gives an overview of the “POT sensors” you’ve defined:

Click “Create Sensor”:

Type in the name/serial number in the field “SerialNo”. I.e. “PipeSection_02_34”.

You can also add a comment in the field below.
Press “Submit” to store your new sensor.

”Pipeline” and ”Tag (location)”

Finally, you can assign a “Pipeline” name and “Tag (location” to each of your defined “POT sensors”.

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 4 Installation

This section covers the installation of the Slimline units for different applications listed here:

1. Solar Junction box (Solar panel and Lead-acid battery 12V/12Ah)

2. Solar junction box (Satellite modem, solar panel and Lead-acid battery 12V/12Ah), see section 7.
3. Big Fink (External power required)
4. Big Fink Solar solution (Solar panel and Lead-acid battery 12V/2Ah)
5. Big Fink Battery Hat (Lithium Thionyl battery 7.2V/42Ah)

The accessories required as well as the assembly are described in the relevant sections, below.

4.1 Solar Junction Box Installation

The junction box itself can be installed on a stable wooden pole, metal tube, or test station pipe such as a
big fink. The mounting should be carried out according to the mounting sketch present in Appendix 1. To
the best possible extent, it is important to mount the junction box such that it is not shadowed (in any
season) as the solar panel needs direct sun to recharge the battery effectively. A back-up battery for three
months of operation (without solar charging) at 1-hour measurement intervals and weekly uploads is
supplied with the junction box.
Once the junction box is securely mounted in place, the onsite installation/set up of the RMU can
commence.

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 VL100 module

Figure 8: Interior of Solar Junction Box as Battery and solar connected.

MetriCorr VL100 & MasterLink Operation Manual 20 | 45

 VL100 module

1– ICL-C – RMU Unit 5 - Battery

2– Solar Charge Controller 6 – Power connector to Slimline VL100
3– Antenna 7 – Input: Pipe (black) & reference (yellow)
4– Power from solar panel (Note.: Picture missing input connectors for LC + and LC -)

8 – Reflective Panel for LED

Note: ER probe cable and wires to LC input NOT shown.

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Installation Steps (Solar Junction box)
1. Bring the pipe and reference electrode cables into the
junction box through the glanded cable entries.

Yellow:
Reference electrode

Black:
Pipe

Figure 9: Pipe & Reference IN

2. Refer to Figure 9 above: plug in the supplied pipe connection (black - Top) and the
reference electrode (yellow – Bottom) to the terminals "Pipe" and "Ref". Connect the pipe
and reference cables from the field through the terminal block indicated above.

3. Installation of wires/cable to "LC+" and "LC-"shall be done according to the same

procedure as for the "Pipe" and "Ref" connections. Note, Connectors for LC + and LC – not
shown)

*Important* Please follow the sequence below exactly. Failure to do so may result in damage to the solar
charge controller.
Test the charge of the battery before you head to the site. It should be above 12V. If it is not, charge the
battery with a separate lead crystal battery charger (note that the battery MUST be disconnected from the
solar charger during charging). Once charged, follow the steps below.

4. Remove the yellow tape from the connector (blue wire) and connect it to the (-) pole on
the battery.

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 5. Remove yellow tape from the connector (blue wire from solar panel), insert it into the solar
panel terminal marked “Panel –“ and tighten the screw terminal:

Step 5: Connect the Solar Charger to the solar panel

6. Finally, check that the circular power

connector are connected to the power
socket on the MasterLink module.

Figure 10: Power connector

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4.2 Big Fink Installation
The Slimline loggers are designed to fit inside a Big Fink type test post, with probe or sensor as shown in the
general illustration. Please note, the illustration below is depicted with a "ICL & MasterLink" from the
slimline series with two ER probe channels

The loggers can be mounted within the test post either using factory fitted clips, or brackets depending on
the Client's preference.

Installation Steps (Big Fink)

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 Figure 11: Left: Big Fink terminals. Right: Mounting brackets and Clips for Slimline Installation in Big Finks

1. The reference electrode cable and the pipe connection(s) should be available at the top of
the Big Fink, as shown.

NB: if installing in an existing installation, additional connections (e.g., foreign pipeline,

coupon, etc.) should also be brought up so that they can be terminated correctly.

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 ER Probe Connections
(ICL module: 2 * ER probe)
(ICL-C module: 1 * ER probe)
(VL100: no ER probe)

Pipe Connection

Reference Electrode Connection

Big Fink Pole correctly installed

Figure 12: Big Fink Test Station ready for installation of Slimline series: “ICL & MasterLink”.
Note that “ICL-C & MasterLink” only takes one ER probe, Pipe connection (black), Reference (Yellow) and two
wires for pipe connections for “LC+” and “LC-“.

2. ER probes: Connect the ODU connectors for the ER probe cables to the ER socket(s) on
the ICL module or ICL-C module.

3. "Pipe" & "Ref": Connect the pipe and reference electrode cables to the logger. The
connection should be made using banana plugs (depending on the existing setup, making-
off the cable ends with banana plugs before installation of the logger may be necessary).

4. LC input: Connect the two wires from the pipe to "LC+" and "LC-". The connection should
be made using banana plugs as for the "Pipe" & "Ref" terminals

5. Antenna and power cable must be connected to the MasterLink module and go through
commissioning procedure to start the logger as outlined in Section 3.

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 6. Clips

Squeeze the clips in towards the Slimline unit and insert into
1 1 the test station, pushing down such that there is room
enough for the antenna beneath the Big Fink cap, ensuring
the cables are not excessively bent or trapped between the
2
logger and the side of the test post.

7. Brackets
The logger should be lowered until the Big Fink top attached to the bracket can be correctly
seated on top of the pole. Tighten the collar nut to ensure a secure fit.

8. All additional cables should be correctly terminated on either the standard Big Fink terminal
board (in the case of the Solar Hat Solution) or on the supplied modified (flat) terminal board
in the case of the hat battery solution.

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The modified terminal board can be supplied, if additional connections are required, e.g in test stations
with the battery solution. Connections to the existing standard terminal board in the solar solution are
possible.
These additional connections are NOT necessary for the installation of the Slimline ICL-C since "LC+" &
"LC-", "Pipe" & "Ref" cables can be directly connected to the logger from the field without passing
through the terminal board.

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4.3 Big Fink Solar Solution

Figure 13: Big Fink Solar Hat general layout & appearance

The MetriCorr Big Fink Solar power solution requires only that the power cord is connected to the power
supply socket on the MasterLink module, as per step 5 above. Once power is connected, ensure that the
logger is ON and set up correctly (see Section 3).
Secure the hat onto the top of the pole using the terminal board/collar and twist to lock, as you would a
normal Big Fink hat, ensuring that the solar panel is facing toward the prevailing sun. There must be no
shadowing of the solar panel.

Sun 2

Figure 14: Securing the Big Fink Solar Hat

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4.4 Battery Hat Solution

Bottom of Modified
Terminal board with
spade terminals

Figure 15: Big Fink Battery Hat General layout & appearance

The MetriCorr Big Fink Battery requires only that power cord connected
to connector E (Figure 2), as per step 3 above. Once power is connected,
ensure that the logger is ON and set up correctly (see Section 3).
Secure the hat onto the top of the pole using the terminal board/collar
and twist to lock, as you would a normal Big Fink hat.
1

Figure 16: Securing the Big Fink Battery Hat

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 5 Your Data – Simple WEBservice Instructions
The MetriCorr WEBservice is a powerful tool that allows you to view, treat, and download data as well as
associated logger and pipeline information. Here are a few tips to get you going.

5.1 View & Download Logged Data

Once your unit(s) have logged and sent the first set of data, you can view it by clicking the 'Data' heading
and selecting the type of data you wish to see (in the case of the VL100, this will be "POT - Potential").

This will display a table of all of your POT - sensors and the latest measurement values (average of the last
seven days is the default). You can use the Site, Time, and Text filters to change the probes/sensors that are
displayed. Clicking on the sensor number will display a graphical representation of the data for that
probe/sensor.

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The graph appearance and the data shown can be changed by using 'Plot Settings' and downloaded as a
.jpeg etc. by clicking the three-line symbol (circled above).
Data for that probe/sensor can be downloaded in tabular form by clicking 'Download/View'.

5.2 Unit Pipeline & Location Assignment

A sensor/probe can be assigned to a pipeline and specific tag/location for easy data identification. You can
define the specific information regarding pipelines, locations etc. using the 'Pipeline Setup' menu.

Once a pipeline and tag have been defined, you can assign the 'Sensor Position'.
The sensor/probe's pipeline, tag and chainage will be shown in the Data table and can be filtered using the
Site, Time and Text filters described in Section 6.1.

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5.3 Alerts
You can define alert values/ limits for specific parameters for specific probes/sensors or an entire group of
sensors/probes. Found on the main 'Data' or landing page by clicking 'Alert Settings'.
1. Set alert for all probes shown for this parameter
2. Set Alert for this parameter for this specific probe/sensor only
3. View triggered alerts
Note, that the example below shows the" POT – Potential" data page ("Pipe"-"Ref" terminals), which all
slimline loggers pr default are equipped with.

3
1

2
Configure and enable Alerts by selecting a specific parameter

5.4 Reports

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It is possible to generate a chainage graph for a specific pipeline with average, minimum, and maximum
values over a specified period. in the 'Reports’ menu.

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 6 Satellite – communication
For areas with no GSM/LTE coverage, Metricorr offers a solution for dataloggers to transmit their
measurement data to WEBservice via satellites. Our standard configuration for satellite communication is
based on a solar/battery powered Masterlink-datalogger with a satellite modem; all housed in a 40cm x
40cm x 20cm cabinet as shown below. (Similar to the “Solar Junction Box” described in section 5.)

Satellite modem with

MasterLink Battery charger
red LED indicator

Pipe & Reference DIN-rail relay Battery 12V/12Ah

and LC+ and LC- with green LED
(optional) indicator

The satellite modem is mounted under the top of the cabinet and is connected to the MasterLink and
battery charger via the DIN-rail terminals + relay to the right, (internal connections only). The cabinet
shown also holds optional extra surge protection for areas with increased risk of surges from lightnings.

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6.1 Satellite modem & placement
The installed modem used for satellite communication is the model “RockBLOCK+” produced by
“RockBLOCK”, which communicates via the satellite network operator “Iridium”.
It is important to place the satellite junction box with unblocked access to the sky. We refer to the
guidelines from “RockBLOCK’s” website: https://docs.rockblock.rock7.com/docs/mounting
”

Selecting a mounting location

Iridium operates in the microwave L-band and therefore requires line-of-sight communication
between RockBLOCK and the satellites.

Don't install RockBLOCK inside a building.

Unlike GSM networks, the microwave L-band can't penetrate solid objects.

Operating RockBLOCK through windows not recommended.

Apart from causing long session timeouts, windows with UV protection films will also
block the signal.

Comply with RF exposure limits.

We don't recommend installing RockBLOCK within 20 cm of a person.

Typically, the best installation location will be on top of an asset, with a 360 degree view of the
sky. Because Iridium satellites are always moving, with a sensible retry strategy it is possible to
achieve good performance even with quite a restricted view of the sky.

6.2 Power & LED indicators

The satellite modem is powered from the 12V
battery via a DIN-rail mounted relay with a
green LED indicating when the satellite
modem is connected to the 12V battery.
The relay is controlled by the MasterLink,
which is connected directly to the 12V
battery.

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The red LED indicates the power status of the
satellite modem. The red LED is located on
the front of the modem.
When the relay is switched on (green LED),
the built-in supercapacitor in the modem
must be charged before it is able to operate,
which will take up to 30 seconds. The red LED
on the modem will light up when it is ready to
operate. When the relay is switched off, the modem will stay on (indicated by the red LED) for a while until
the super capacitor has been discharged.

6.3 Webservice Subscription

In WEBservice, the subscription for satellite communication is called “Satellite”, which includes data
transfer of one measurement per day. In WEBservice, press “RMU” -> “Masterlinks” in the top menu as
shown below:

Your satellite-connected MasterLink will appear in the “Your defined Masterlinks” list as any other
MasterLink-datalogger from Metricorr. Here, the “Subscription Category” is set to “Satellite”.

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6.4 Setup in Webservice
The options for satellite connected MasterLinks are limited compared to standard GSM/LTE connected
Masterlinks, since data transfer will only be sent once a day. However, the datalogger will still do
measurements once an hour, which is stored in the MasterLink memory to be manually transferred using
the Metricorr App.
Press “Setup” for the Masterlink you want to configure to enter the setup page shown below. Both
Masterlink serial number and the unique satellite serial number and IMEI number are shown in the top
right corner. The two parameters “Sleep(ok)” and “Sleep(Fall)” are set to fixed values and cannot be
changed by the user.

Example of Setup page for a MasterLink-ICL, satellite subscription

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Setup parameters for an ICL-datalogger are shown below:
Parameter Value Comment
Time for first daily 12:00 Sets time for daily measurement. If the interval between measurements (set in
returned measurement, the row below) is set to be longer than 24h, the time set here will be valid for
HH:MM (UTC) the first measurement only.
Time between returned 25 Sets interval between measurements to be transferred to WEBservice daily via
measurements (hours) satellite. 25 hours are default. 24h intervals or longer intervals are possible, see
section 7.3
Sample interval (min) 60 Cannot be changed by the user. The datalogger performs measurements with 1
hour interval, which are stored in the MasterLink memory.
Eoff timer value (ms) 200 Delay for off-potential measurement. Metricorr recommends 200 ms.
Probe 1 ER-probe Auto-detected probe by default. It is possible to select probe manually.
Probe 2 ER-probe or Auto-detected probe by default. It is possible to select probe manually.
LC sensor

6.4.1 Example: 25h interval measurement campaign

This example illustrates a measurement campaign, where measurements will be taken with 25 hours
interval. Here, each transmitted measurement will be shifted one hour each day to get measurements
around the clock over a 25 day period. Data will still be transmitted once a day.

ER probe thickness [μm], 25h interval measurement campaign

498.8
498.78
498.76
498.74
498.72
498.7
498.68
498.66
498.64
498.62
498.6

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6.4.2 Example: 24h interval measurement campaign
This example illustrates a 24h measurement campaign, where the daily time is set to 17:00.

Parameter Value Comment

Time for first daily 17:00 Measurement campaign is set to start at 17:00 o’clock.
returned measurement,
HH:MM (UTC)
Time between returned 24 Interval between measurements transmitted to WEBservice.
measurements (hours)

ER probe thickness [μm], 24h interval measurement campaign

498.9
498.88
498.86
498.84
498.82
498.8
498.78
498.76
498.74
498.72
498.7

6.5 App & Data for satellite connected MasterLinks

As with any other MasterLink-dataloggers from Metricorr, satellite connected MasterLinks can be
accessed on location using the Metricorr App.

The measurements transferred via satellite will provide daily measurements for monitoring to
allow for immediate action, if for example the corrosion rate has accelerated. Hourly
measurements can then be collected for example once a year using the Metricorr app to get a
more precise picture that will reveal possible interference with trains, AC power lines, etc.

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Appendix 1: Junction Box Mounting Guide

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Appendix 2: Solar Charger Instructions

MetriCorr installed, Genasun models GV-4P-Pb-12V in Solar Junction Box

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